In the vibrant community of Nduru Beach, Kenya, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, a remarkable group of women, known as 'No Sex for Fish', has valiantly sustained their struggle for autonomy and health, despite facing immense challenges. Their journey, which began years ago as a radical step towards economic self-sufficiency and protection against HIV, has been fraught with natural disasters and shifts in international aid. Yet, their collective spirit and mutual support, particularly through a unique 'table banking' system, continue to be their anchors in a landscape marked by uncertainty.
The story of these courageous women dates back to 2019, when a groundbreaking initiative was launched to empower local women fish vendors. Traditionally, these women relied on fishermen for their daily catch to sell in the markets. However, a disturbing trend emerged as fish yields dwindled: some fishermen began demanding sexual favors in exchange for their dwindling catches, a practice locally known as 'sex-for-fish'. This transactional dynamic not only exploited the women but also contributed to the alarmingly high rates of HIV in the region, as many of the fishermen were HIV positive. The 'No Sex for Fish' group, with support from a PEPFAR grant and later World Connect, sought to break this cycle by acquiring their own fishing boats and employing men, thereby overturning the established power dynamics and ensuring their economic independence.
Their path, however, has been far from smooth. In early 2020, a devastating deluge caused Lake Victoria to overflow, submerging their homes and destroying most of their newly acquired boats. This natural calamity forced the entire village of Nduru Beach to evacuate, leaving many displaced and facing severe economic hardship. Despite the physical and emotional toll, the women of 'No Sex for Fish' managed to maintain their strong bonds and continue their fight for survival, rebuilding their lives from scratch.
Adding to their woes, recent changes in U.S. foreign aid policies, particularly in 2025, have cast a long shadow over their access to life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. For the eleven members of the group who are HIV positive, these drugs, previously supplied consistently by the U.S., are crucial for their health and survival. Rebbecca Atieno, a single mother of six who lost her home to the floods and relies on these medications, expressed deep anxiety over the reduced supply periods, now requiring her to make more frequent, arduous trips to the clinic. Her concern is amplified by the tragic loss of Rose Atieno Abongo, another group member, who died of AIDS in October 2024 after ceasing her ARV treatment due to severe side effects exacerbated by poor nutrition.
The plight of these women highlights a critical intersection of health, economic stability, and social tradition. Naomy Akoth, 42, also faces similar anxieties about her ARV supply, especially as she navigates the challenges of providing for her seven children with a meager income from her small hotel business. She contracted HIV after remarrying due to traditional pressures following her first husband's death, illustrating the complex societal factors that impact women's vulnerability.
Amidst these adversities, the 'No Sex for Fish' group demonstrates remarkable resilience and solidarity. Under the leadership of Justine Adhiambo Obura, the group actively practices 'table banking', an informal savings and loan system. Members contribute what they can, and those in urgent need, whether for transportation to the clinic or basic living expenses, can access loans. Obura herself, after losing her home, used her savings to buy land and cultivate vegetables, showcasing the group's adaptive strategies for economic survival. While only two boats remain functional, including one belonging to Alice Akinyi Amonde, who offers both financial and moral support to her HIV-positive sisters, the women harbor ambitious plans for agricultural endeavors, including rice farming, seeking donor assistance to realize their collective future.
Yet, the lingering uncertainty of daily life weighs heavily on them. Despite their unwavering determination, the constant struggle against displacement, dwindling fish resources, and precarious access to vital medication strains their hope. The women of Nduru Beach remain a testament to human resilience, continually striving to overcome systemic and environmental obstacles, all while nurturing a dream for a stable, healthy, and independent future.